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The MHRA stressed there was so far no definitive evidence the cancers were caused by the implants. But experts disagreed and called for tougher action, while US regulators have also raised concern over their safety.

Professor Jim Frame, an expert in cosmetic surgery at Anglia Ruskin University, said: ‘This cancer is a potential bombshell that has been swept under the carpet for five years. Textured implants should be banned. We should return to using smooth ones which were safe.’

The MHRA is currently undertaking a major review into the safety of the implants (stock photo)

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare form of cancer that affects the lymph glands in the immune system.

There are approximately 400 new cases in the UK each year and most can be successfully treated with chemotherapy.

Around 8,000 women had breast enlargement surgery last year in Britain. Last October a register of breast surgery patients was set up to improve safety after the 2010 PIP implant scandal affected up to 47,000 women. In 2015, the French watchdog said there was a ‘clear link’ between the recalled implants and tumours.

An MHRA spokesman said: ‘We are part of the EU task force monitoring breast implant-associated ALCL, which is aiming to get a Europe-wide picture.’

A Department of Health spokesman said: ‘An independent advisory group has been set up and we have taken firm steps to improve cosmetic surgery safety.’

The disease we fear most is more common than marriage

Being diagnosed with cancer is now more common than getting married or having a first baby, figures reveal.

They show that 361,216 cancer cases were diagnosed in 2014 – the latest year for which figures were available – compared with 289,841 marriages and 271,050 births to first-time mothers.

Cancer is now almost as common as graduating from university – 370,910 students obtained their degree in 2014/15 – according to the figures compiled by Macmillan Cancer Support to highlight how prevalent the disease is.

A separate survey by the charity showed cancer is still our most feared disease – 37 per cent ranked it so, ahead of 27 per cent for Alzheimer’s and 7 per cent for strokes.

Another study by Macmillan found many develop the illness in the prime of life.

There were some 1.2million cancer diagnoses among the under-65s between 2006 and 2015. These included 343,000 cases in adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s, the figures show.